Celestron CGEM II 800 8-Inch GoTo Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Telescope for serious visual and imaging astronomers

The Celestron CGEM II 800 is an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a computerized equatorial mount. It gathers over 800 times more light than the unaided eye thanks to StarBright XLT coated optics. The system suits amateur and professional astronomers who want a portable platform for long-exposure photography with optional CCD cameras. It is not for buyers who need a lightweight grab-and-go refractor or a mount rated for heavier observatory-class tubes.

40 lb payload capacity on a computerized

The CGEM II mount carries up to 40 lb of payload and slews at 5 degrees per second. Permanent periodic error correction lets users train out worm-gear errors while the mount retains the recordings. A database of over 40,000 objects, 100 user-defined programmable objects and enhanced data on over 200 objects supports automated pointing. Builders who require a higher payload rating or a different drive architecture will need another mount.

All-Star polar alignment

Large Altitude and Azimuth knobs make polar alignment quick and ergonomic. The All-Star procedure lets users choose any bright star while software calculates and assists the alignment. Internal RA and DEC motor wiring gives a clean look and trouble-free assembly. The mount tracks past the meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the best part of the sky. Observers without access to a clear view of the celestial pole or who prefer manual setting circles will find the workflow less suitable.